17 july 2006 -

EXCLUSIVE Interview: The Black Angels
Chuck Norton, deadjournalist.com

Formed in May 2004, the Austin-based band the Black Angels is on a similar track as bands, such as Kings of Leon and the Black Keys, who found success by playing a seemingly endless number of live shows. Creating what they call, "Drone 'n Roll", the band mixes '60's psychedelic rock with their own Texas-inspired sound.

Founded by childhood friends, Christian Bland (guitar) and Alex Maas (vocals), the ever-expanding band also includes drummer/percussionist Stephanie Bailey, organist Jennifer Raines, bassist/guitarist Nate Ryan and on keyboard/guitar/percussion, Kyle Hunt.

The band's distinctive and ubiquitous sound is derived from the unique backgrounds of their members. Including an heir to a nursery giant, a daughter of mortuary owners, a member raised in a cult, an art student and a preacher's kid who is a former major college athlete - the band's diversity shows in their music.

Following their 2005 debut EP The Black Angels, the band released Passover, in April 2006. The band is in the midst of a North American tour with several dates in the mid-west and western remaining. Upcoming shows include a July 28 show in Chicago, the Hedgpeth Festival (with the Flaming Lips and King of Leon) in Wisconsin on July 29 and a July 30 show in Seattle.

For more information on the Black Angels, visit their official Web site: www.theblackangels.com or check out their MySpace.com page: www.myspace.com/theblackangels.

Deadjournalist.com recently caught up with the Black Angels co-founder and guitarist Christian Bland for this exclusive interview.

How long did it take for the Black Angels to start playing live shows after forming in May 2004? Did things click quickly?

CB: We started playing live shows in June 2004, right when the band was formed. We knew we had something special early on. The band has been compared with many Vietnam-era psychedelic bands.

Did you set-out to draw upon those musical influences when forming the band?

CB: We are all huge fans of the '60's psychedelic music, so naturally that sound will come through in our music. Our parents all had amazing record collections (Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Doors, early Brian Jones Stones, Love, early Pink Floyd). We combine the '60's sound with our own modern take of it.

What do you hope a listener takes from a Black Angels' album?

CB: We want people to open up their minds, and let everything come through. Passover is a vehicle by which to make this possible.

How has the band's sound grown since the Black Angels EP?

CB: Most of the songs were recorded between August 2004 and November 2004. So we had all the songs for the album done when the EP was released in October 2005. We've already recorded 7 tracks for our new album due out in spring 2007.

What is the most important part of a Black Angels live performance?

CB: The mood of the ceremony.

How is the current tour going? Is it important to the band to play live shows as much as possible?

CB: The current tour has been great. We've gotten to play with Pink Mountaintops, Blue Cheer and this November, the Black Keys. People across the US and Canada have really dug our music. I think it's very important to play live shows. That's the heart and soul of our music - our connection with the crowd.

What do you see as the next step for the band?

CB: The next step is to take our music overseas to the UK, Australia and Europe ... and to continue touring across the US.

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